Sunrise Leather, Grand Village Shops, Branson MO

The History of Sunrise Leatherworks

Looking back over the years of craftsmanship, whether it is a blacksmith, woodworker, or glassblower. They all have one thing in common, working with their hands. That is what leatherworking is all about, working with your hands. That is what Sunrise Leatherworks is all about. Having hand crafted products that we are proud to sell. Greg Vidito, started Sunrise

Leatherworks in 1976. At the start, the store was located in Springfield at the NorthTown Mall. Eventually, Greg made the move to Branson to open a new location in Engler’s Block. Engler’s Block was located off of 76 Country Boulevard. It was a place where craftsmanship came alive. Unfortunately, in February of 2012 a tornado came through the town of Branson and damaged Engler’s block. It was then Greg moved just down the road to the Grand Village Shops. Over the years, Greg became the store's Mastercraftsman, and was the man who did everything. Along with employees who helped and worked leather as well. In 2021, Greg decided that it was time to retire and sell the business. You can still come into the shop some days and see Greg hanging around the store, but he spends most of his time now enjoying retirement! Meet the new owners of Sunrise Leatherworks, Sam and Patty Scroggins! Sam and Patty bought the store in 2022 after Sam decided to go into what he calls “half retirement”. After 25 years of being in the washer and dryer business, Sam decided he was ready for something else. As fate would have it they found the leather store for sale, it was then that Sam and Patty had found what they wanted to do for the rest of their days! After just a year of owning the business a bigger store just across the walkway from the store in the Village became available and they jumped at it. In January of 2023, they made the move across the sidewalk to their new store front and that is where they are to stay! In the fall of 2023, they asked their younger daughter Becky to come work for them as the store manager. On Memorial Weekend of 2024, Sam and Patty opened their second store in the village “Sunrise Shoes” in the old store front. In Sunrise Shoes, you will find the Brand Minnetonka. Which is known for their moccasins, but they have so much more! From their summer sandals to their winter boots and slippers! Since the business is family owned and operated, let's get to know the owners a little better! Growing up, Sam lived and worked on the family dairy farm in Battlefield, MO. Patty grew up in the small town of Morrisville, MO. Growing up she found her love for horses and she started doing horse shows with her own horses. Sam and Patty got married in 1990, and a few short years later they had their oldest daughter Marlee, then had their younger daughter Becky. Their daughter Marlee is a 1st grade teacher, who helps at the stores when she can. Becky works with Sam and Patty as their manager. When you stop by the shop you can normally find Sam on the sewing machine (saying he wants or is going to play golf) and Becky tooling a belt or wallet (working to be the next Mastercraftswomen.) You may hear them picking on each other or helping one of their many valued customers. You will find Patty over at the shoe store busy selling shoes, or listening to Becky complain about her dad giving her a hard time. So the next time you come to Branson stop by the Grand village and feel right at home!